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What Is a DVT Prophylaxis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis is medical treatment to prevent the development of DVT in a patient at risk of this condition. In patients with DVT, a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the arm or leg, occluding blood flow and potentially leading to complications. The most serious complication is a pulmonary embolism (PE), where a clot breaks loose, travels to the lungs, and blocks the airway. PE can be fatal, and the onset can be so rapid that the patient never gets a chance to seek treatment.

Doctors screen patients before procedures that might create a risk of DVT, like long surgeries, to determine if they need DVT prophylaxis. Provision of preventative care to patients who may not necessarily develop the condition is more cost-effective than providing retroactive treatment to a patient who experiences DVT. DVT prophylaxis is standard at many hospitals and clinics to protect the health and safety of patients.

A doctor may suggest a deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis procedure to prevent future blood clots.
A doctor may suggest a deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis procedure to prevent future blood clots.

Numerous options are available for DVT prophylaxis, and a doctor may consider combination therapy if it is warranted. In mechanical DVT prophylaxis, the patient uses physical means like compression stockings, electrical stimulation, and rotating tables to prevent the formation of blood clots. These measures all stimulate blood flow, inhibit clotting, and make the risk of a large embolus less likely. They can be used in a variety of settings, like long-haul flights where there are concerns about clotting because of prolonged immobility.

Compression stockings is one therapy option for DVT.
Compression stockings is one therapy option for DVT.

Pharmacological DVT prophylaxis involves the administration of drugs like low molecular weight heparin to prevent clotting. The patient may take these drugs for varying amounts of time, depending on the risks and the situation. They inhibit the formation of clots so the blood will continue to flow freely through the deep veins. These preventative measures can be slightly more risky, as they create an increased risk of uncontrollable bleeding, and the doctor must balance this concern with the risks of providing no prophylactic treatment at all.

In patients with DVT, a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the arms or legs, stopping blood flow and potentially causing complications.
In patients with DVT, a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the arms or legs, stopping blood flow and potentially causing complications.

Patients who may need DVT prophylaxis include surgical patients over 40 as well as anyone needing surgery that will take longer than two hours; people with a history of surgery or severe physical trauma; and cancer patients going into surgery. Coagulopathies can also be a reason to recommend preventative care if a patient is preparing for surgery. The guidelines vary between nations, and some hospitals and clinics may have their own, more aggressive guidelines for care providers to use when deciding if patients require DVT prophylaxis.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Azuza

I had no idea that you could develop deep vein thrombosis during surgery! I swear, I hope I never need any kind of surgery because it just seems risky. You could die on the table, develop a terrible infection, and now I hear you can develop DVT!

I think if I were having surgery I would pay close attention to dvt prophylaxis protocol and make sure my doctor was following it to the letter. Dying of a pulmonary embolism just doesn't sound very appealing to me.

sunnySkys

@KaBoom - I don't blame your mom for worrying. After all, isn't that one of a mother's main jobs in life?

I think it must be hard for doctors to weigh the pro's and con's of treatment for DVT. After all, as the article said, deep vein thrombosis is potentially fatal. But you can also bleed to death if you're taking blood thinners. I suppose every patient is different, so doctors have to take everything into account. Still, I wouldn't want to be the one making that decision.

KaBoom

Women who are the pill are also at risk of deep vein thrombosis. I know, because I'm on the pill and my mother will not stop talking to me about DVT. Apparently someone she knew who was on the pill developed it while she was on a long flight and now my mom lives in fear that I might develop one also.

I talked to my doctor about preventing DVT, and she told me that women on the pill don't need DVT prophylaxis. Especially a young, non-smoker such as myself. Apparently the likelihood of needing dvt treatment while on birth control pills is pretty low, and she told me I shouldn't worry about it too much. That set my mind at ease!

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    • A doctor may suggest a deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis procedure to prevent future blood clots.
      By: roblan
      A doctor may suggest a deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis procedure to prevent future blood clots.
    • Compression stockings is one therapy option for DVT.
      By: nito
      Compression stockings is one therapy option for DVT.
    • In patients with DVT, a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the arms or legs, stopping blood flow and potentially causing complications.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      In patients with DVT, a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the arms or legs, stopping blood flow and potentially causing complications.
    • Symptoms of thrombosis can include leg pain.
      By: Dirima
      Symptoms of thrombosis can include leg pain.
    • In patients with deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the arm or leg, occluding blood flow.
      By: 7activestudio
      In patients with deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the arm or leg, occluding blood flow.
    • A pulmonary embolism is a condition where an artery in the lungs becomes blocked by excess fat or a tumor.
      By: decade3d
      A pulmonary embolism is a condition where an artery in the lungs becomes blocked by excess fat or a tumor.
    • Deep vein thrombosis affects blood clotting in the legs.
      By: Kurhan
      Deep vein thrombosis affects blood clotting in the legs.